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Community Corner

Patch Asks: How Does Your Family Support Local Charities?

How do you get your children involved in supporting those in need?

Holidays like the 4th of July remind us of how fortunate we are to live in a free country that provides us with opportunities for success.  Unfortunately, as people continue to struggle financially, and for many as times get tougher, we must think about ways we can help those less fortunate within our communities.  


The Forest Hills Patch Family Council would like to know if you have found any great ways to volunteer your time with your kids or how your have organized the donation of items to local charities. Also, please explain how you discuss these difficult issues with your kids.

 

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I do talk to my daughter about these issues because we can't avoid it.  When we drive to the beach we saw people selling water and one time I didnt buy the water and she was upset for days.  I now always give money to the homeless or anyone asking on the subway or selling anything because she wants to help people.  We donate clothes to Room to Grow which provides clothes to needy children. 

We have also donated to Feed the Children.  We have not done much in the community except at Hebrew School when we give Tzedeka. When I talk to her about these things I try to let her know that everyone has to work for a living and we try to help people that dont have as much but let her know there are shelters for people who dont have a home and pantrys.  — Steph

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In our house, we have picked two charities that we give to regularly. I think we all feel like we would like to give more, but as a middle class family we can't afford it.  My wife and I have picked two national children's charities that mean a lot to us.

Locally, we do all we can to support local fundraisers at the kids school and donate used items like clothing to local organizations when we do clean outs. I always tell my kids that we can give the toys they don't use anymore to kids that don't have toys and they really seem to understand that even though they are young. — Rob

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